IP routers make forwarding decision based on IP packet header, and local CEF and FIB table.
MPLS routers make forwarding decision based on the MPLS label and the LFIB .
MPLS is great technology these days not because it forwards the packets faster , but because of applications and solutions we can provide for our customers like MPLS VPN’s .
MPLS uses the IP routing information to determine the direction and next hop to forward a labeled packet .
Does this before the first packet even arrives.